I finally bought this amazing wool coat. I had already seen it in a second hand shop the last two times I visited my Grandma but had resisted the urge to buy it. I decided that if it was still there a third time I would get it. Luckily, it was.
The label is Windsmoor. They started making coats and other clothing in 1933 and continue to do so today. At a guess I would say this is from the 50s. It's in almost perfect condition and is made of lovely worsted wool. I thought it was a bargain at $79.99 but my Grandma thought that was a ridiculous amount to pay for a second hand coat. Different generations, eh?
Speaking of bargains, on my way home to Christchurch I stopped in Ashburton and went to an op-shop there. That's where I picked up this little beauty.
An Elna Supermatic...for $15. I probably would have paid $15 just for the cool metal carry case. According to the lady at the shop it does work, but she said I can bring it back if it doesn't. I haven't actually tried it yet because I'm a bit scared to plug it in until my Dad brings over one of those cut-off plugs that cuts off the electricity if there's anything wrong.
I'm kind of in awe of how well designed it is. The carry case folds over to become a work table that slots into place. It didn't come with a manual but I managed to find two different ones online that people had scanned. Apparently vintage Elna machines have quite a following.
I also think it's the cutest sewing machine I've ever seen. I love that vintage green. It's not really a colour that you see around much any more.
It did, however, come with all manner of different feet, including a darning foot, a buttonhole foot, a hemming foot, and some I can't identify. It also came with the discs which are used to sew different stitches. Based on the number of discs that fit in the accessory box I think that this is from the Elna Supermatic series made between 1952 and 1956.
As you may be able to tell by now, every time I buy something old I obsessively research the brand to see when and where it was made etc. I like to think of it as honing my research skills, something which is always handy for the research papers I have to write.
Oh me oh my I am so so jealous of that machine! I would love a treasure like that as a back up to mine. I bet it sews beautifully too! Are the op shops good in Ash Vegas? I have some leave coming up in a few weeks, is it worth a day trip?
ReplyDeleteShe is a rather lovely machine. I've had really good luck with the op-shops in Ashburton. They are cheaper than ChCh and often have really awesome sewing supplies. I have so many buttons and vintage zips from the Sallies there. Totally worth a day trip. If you need directions to where they are just send me an email.
ReplyDeleteGood find that sewing machine was. I love sewing machines with those disks for different stitches! I also have one like that, called Borletti. Unfortunately it stopped working about a month ago. I might have to toss it, unless I'm able to get it fixed.
ReplyDeleteWow...great finds, I love, love, love that sewing machine...they just don't make them like that anymore! xoxo Beth
ReplyDeleteRhia- The discs are really cool. I had never seen them until I bought this machine and I had no idea what they were for until I looked on the instructions. I hope you can get your machine fixed.
ReplyDeleteBeth- Thanks. They sure don't. I don't know that I'd ever want to sew on a new sewing machine, it just isn't the same.
Darling,that coat is to DIE for!!!
ReplyDeletePerfect for keeping your little self warm this winter!xxx
Hi. I just found your blog. I love it. And I adore that Elna! Such a good brand still! You are inspiring me to try to get some sewing in for myself and not just my clients. Have a wonderfully fashionable summer!!!!
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